Pepper Raefin

Tattoo Industry Consultant and Career Coach

I have over a decade of experience tattooing, have mentored apprentices to meet their career goals, and have successfully owned and operated a five-star tattoo shop since 2015. I have a Bachelors Degree in Art from the University of Texas in San Antonio, with a concentration in Oil Painting and Portraiture. My resume includes countless solo exhibitions and group art shows as well as teaching in a classroom and workshop setting.

Comprehensive Approach

Becoming a tattoo artist is not just about tattooing and creating art. It is the first step to operating as an independent contractor and business owner. It is imperative that any artist coming into this industry be competitive to be successful, which is why it is important to be a well rounded and highly educated professional. Certificates of completion from some less targeted programs mean nothing to shop owners looking to hire and can actually disqualify a candidate immediately. Yet various facilities are flooding the field with ill-qualified individuals who are struggling to succeed in an already saturated market. Because of the disservice some mass education facilities are doing to the industry, and because formal apprenticeships in shops are no guarantee of quality training or safe space learning, my approach is uniquely tailored to the specific needs and goals of the individual.

Focused Topics

With my knowledge and guidance, Clients will be informed regarding a variety of industry topics (including but no limited to: bio-hazard and cross contamination risk, art composition and drawing for tattoos, safe handling of necessary tools of the trade, customer service and time management techniques.) Advanced Components are also available for working tattoo artists.

  • "Pepper, as a Coach, is such a force of support. The tattoo industry is not for the faint of heart and she’s honest about that. But through her methods and her example as an artist and business owner, it’s easy to feel motivated and determined in the pursuit of such a rewarding career. She’s fiercely passionate about tattoo history and the importance of competency in such a technical field. She’s a well rounded incredibly talented individual. She is also upholding quality standards while coaching and advising passionate tattoo artists who will lead the the future, with a grateful bow to the past." - Raven S.

  • "Pepper is a very relaxed and calm individual when advising Clients, aspiring artists and entrepreneurs. She's always there to walk them through the process step by step. She is helpful when the Clients are stuck and need help troubleshooting or working through issues. Very level-headed when coaching, doesn't get frustrated and is always encouraging." - Jessica S.

  • "I have had the privilege of witnessing Pepper mentor tattoo apprentices for nearly 10 years. As a loyal and lifelong patron of her shop, my sessions have often become case studies. I’ve witnessed how she talks through an apprentice’s flash idea or explains the specific pressure of her hand as she executes flawless technique. Pepper has historical knowledge and vast technical expertise of the tattoo industry and she is happy to bring anyone who wants to evolve and grow into her world of experience." - SK West

  • "I’ve known Pepper for almost a decade and have always valued and appreciated her level of personalism while also remaining highly professional. I’ve watched her help new artists enter the field of tattooing, educating them on maintaining high standards both in tattooing and how they care for their clients. Pepper is compassionate yet firm and will always help you make your dreams come alive! As a long standing client who lives in a larger body and is queer, I know I can trust Pepper. I’ve always felt welcomed and empowered from the very first message I sent about adding art to my body to check-ins on the healing process afterwards. I’m honored to have her art on my body, as well as the art of those she’s mentored into the field!" - Toli G.

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FAQ

  • First, fill out the contact form so that we can set up an in-person consultation where we will discuss your goals and vision for your journey. When we meet, you will be able to choose one or more Components that best match your interests and needs. Components are able to be bundled.

  • Components will include (but are not limited to): Coaching customer service techniques that encourage client retention, gaining confidence in client interactions, drawing approaches for tattoos that lead to superior compositions, addressing linework and shading issues that affect quality, etc.

  • Each Component is a 2 Hour session and can be bundled for charting a diverse path to success. Sessions will be scheduled according to the availability of Client and Coach.

  • Components are $250.00 each.

Your Journey Begins…